NetSmartz in Schools

"Prosecuting online predators is only half the battle," said Attorney General Mark Shurtleff, whose office supervises the Utah Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. "Our best chance of protecting Utah's children is to teach them how to avoid becoming a victim in the first place."

"Law enforcement will never 'arrest its way out of this problem,' we must therefore take steps to 'harden the target,'" said Brad Russ, Director of Training and Development for the New Hampshire ICAC Task Force. "The NetSmartz program provides a wonderful opportunity for law enforcement and school officials to collaborate on this important child protection issue utilizing the many resources associated with this comprehensive approach to Internet safety."

Missouri, New Hampshire, and Utah have all partnered with NetSmartz to roll-out the NetSmartz Workshop in their schools state-wide. NetSmartz assists states with an implementation plan, training, and press announcements. States that partner with NetSmartz also receive downloadable versions of the computer activities to install on school computers. Individuals interested in bringing NetSmartz to their state's schools should have their state board of education, law enforcement, or government contact NetSmartz at NetSmartz_contact@ncmec.org for more information.

Why Implement NetSmartz in Schools?

• Schools are facing an increasing number of Internet issues and are seeking ways to effectively address these concerns with their students.
• Most children ages 5 to 17 will be taught Internet safety if it is implemented through the schools.
• Most schools are already spending a day at the beginning of the school year on Internet use as students are explained their school's "Acceptable Use Policy." Teachers will be excited to have interactive, fun materials to teach a topic that students tend to tune out.
• The NetSmartz activity cards encourage discussion and application, increasing the potential to expand knowledge and change behavior.
• Schools, parent-teacher organizations, state offices, and law enforcement unite to achieve a common goal.

How Schools Are Using NetSmartz

• "Acceptable Use Policy" overview at beginning of the year
• Junior-high technology class
• Junior-high or high-school health/social issues class
• Elementary-school computer class
• Homeroom class
• Assemblies

The NetSmartz Workshop activity cards include overviews so teachers can integrate them with concepts that are already part of their core curriculum. Many of the teaching activities involve writing, role-plays, cooperative learning, and art projects that can fulfill more than one educational requirement.

How Teachers Use the NetSmartz Animated Computer Activities

Option 1:

Teachers can use the short, interactive NetSmartz computer activities as a class with the complementing NetSmartz activity cards that give ideas for class activities and discussions to reinforce the safety messages.

Option 2:

Teachers may allow students to complete the NetSmartz activities at their own pace during free time or computer time.*

Option 3:

Teachers can assign the students to complete the activities on their own and supplement the self-teaching with class Internet safety activities taught from the NetSmartz activity cards.

Time Requirements

One of the best features of NetSmartz is its flexibility. Most activities stand-alone and do not have to be taught in a particular order. Teachers can choose to spend only one class period on Internet safety or several. The classroom activities are explained on one- to two-page activity cards and require little advanced preparation.

Technology Requirements

Depending on computer availability, NetSmartz may be taught

• On a main computer connected to an LCD projector in front of the entire class as the students learn NetSmartz with the activity cards
• On individual computers in the classroom or computer lab as the students complete the activities at their own pace
• Without computers, using the NetSmartz activity cards and visual aids
• Using the web site or downloadable versions of the activities*
• Using the web site or downloadable versions of the activities
• On PCs or MACs

*Downloadable versions of the NetSmartz materials are available to states that partner with NetSmartz.